5 Ways to Keep Your Hike Environmentally Friendly

September 21, 2017

Leaving the wilderness in the same condition you found it should be on every hiker's to-do list. Not littering is the most obvious way visitors to the outdoors can take proper care of the environment, but here are five more ways to keep your hike environmentally friendly.

Stay on Marked Trails

via flickr/Tony Webster

Visitors to some National Parks have made headlines lately, and not in a good way. One group was chastised for leaving the boardwalk trail and damaging delicate plant life, another lost his life as a result of leaving the marked areas near a hot springs area. Fences and boardwalks are there to protect fragile plants, as well as the people walking the trails.

Keep Dogs Leashed

via flickr/iadk

For their safety, as well as that of local wildlife, keep your dog close by and on a leash. He could get into a dangerous situation by inadvertently spooking an animal like a bear, provoking an attack. He could also damage delicate plants, or consume something poisonous.

Don’t Feed the Animals

via flickr/jfreyla

Approaching wild animals is never a good idea. For one, they are unpredictable and could attack, or they could see you as a threat and harm you in an effort to get away. Second, feeding wild animals teaches them to rely on humans for survival and that puts both humans and animals at risk.

Watch Out for Cyclists

via flickr/Kurayba

Many hiking trails and mountain paths are shared by hikers and mountain bikers. Be aware if the trail you're walking allows cycling and keep an eye out for two-wheeled company. Most cyclists will see you before you see them and will call out to alert you and let you know they are planning to pass on your left or right. Don’t hog the center of the trail.

Don’t Pick Flowers or Take “Souvenirs”

via flickr/Sistak

Take all the photographs, sketches, and memories you wish but leave the plants and flowers where they are, so they can continue to provide food and shelter for the insects and animals.